Matthew 20:31 Study Bible: The crowd rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they shouted even more, "Lord, have mercy on us, son of David."

◄ Matthew 20:31 ►

The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The crowd admonished them to be silent
This phrase highlights the societal pressure and opposition faced by those seeking Jesus. The Greek word for "admonished" (ἐπετίμησεν) implies a stern rebuke or command. Historically, crowds often acted as gatekeepers, determining who was worthy of attention. In this context, the crowd's attempt to silence the blind men reflects a common human tendency to overlook or dismiss those in need. This serves as a reminder of the barriers that can exist between individuals and Christ, and the importance of perseverance in faith.

but they cried out all the louder
The phrase "cried out" (ἔκραξαν) is derived from the Greek word meaning to shout or scream, indicating the intensity and desperation of the blind men's plea. Their response to the crowd's rebuke was not to be silenced but to amplify their cries. This demonstrates a profound faith and determination, illustrating that true faith often requires persistence in the face of opposition. It is an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast and vocal in their pursuit of Jesus, regardless of societal pressures.

Lord, Son of David
This title is significant both theologically and messianically. "Lord" (Κύριε) is a term of respect and recognition of authority, while "Son of David" is a messianic title acknowledging Jesus as the promised descendant of King David, who would restore Israel. This acknowledgment by the blind men shows their recognition of Jesus' divine authority and messianic role, despite their physical blindness. It underscores the theme that spiritual insight is not dependent on physical sight, and true recognition of Jesus comes from faith.

have mercy on us
The plea for mercy (ἐλέησον) is a common biblical request, reflecting a deep understanding of human need and divine compassion. In the Jewish context, mercy was a central attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love and faithfulness. The blind men's request is not just for physical healing but an appeal to Jesus' compassionate nature. This highlights the Christian belief in a God who is not only powerful but also deeply compassionate and willing to respond to the cries of those in need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with humility and faith, trusting in His mercy and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Crowd
A group of people following Jesus, likely consisting of His disciples, followers, and onlookers. They play a significant role in the account by attempting to silence the blind men.

2. The Blind Men
Two individuals who are physically blind but spiritually perceptive, recognizing Jesus as the "Son of David" and seeking His mercy.

3. Jesus
Central to the event, He is addressed as "Lord" and "Son of David," acknowledging His messianic role and authority.

4. Jericho
The location near which this event occurs, a city with historical and spiritual significance in Jewish history.

5. The Roadside
The setting where the blind men are positioned, symbolizing their marginalization and need for divine intervention.

Teaching Points

Persistence in Faith
The blind men exemplify unwavering faith by continuing to cry out despite opposition. Believers are encouraged to persist in prayer and faith, even when faced with discouragement.

Recognizing Jesus' Authority
By calling Jesus "Son of David," the blind men acknowledge His messianic identity. Christians are reminded to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in their lives.

Compassion Over Conformity
Jesus' response to the blind men contrasts with the crowd's attempt to silence them. Believers are called to prioritize compassion and mercy over societal pressures or norms.

The Power of a Desperate Cry
The blind men's desperate plea for mercy is heard and answered by Jesus. This teaches that God is attentive to the cries of those who earnestly seek Him.

Faith Beyond Sight
The physical blindness of the men contrasts with their spiritual insight. Christians are encouraged to develop spiritual vision and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the crowd in Matthew 20:31 reflect common societal attitudes towards those in need, and how can we apply Jesus' example in our interactions with others?

2. In what ways does the title "Son of David" deepen our understanding of Jesus' identity and mission? How can this understanding impact our faith?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or discouragement in your spiritual journey. How can the persistence of the blind men inspire you to continue seeking God?

4. How does the concept of mercy play a role in this passage, and what are some practical ways we can extend mercy to others in our daily lives?

5. Compare the faith of the blind men with other instances of faith in the Gospels. What common elements do you find, and how can these elements strengthen your own faith walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Mark 10:46-52
This parallel account provides additional details about the healing of Bartimaeus, one of the blind men, emphasizing faith and persistence.

Isaiah 35:5-6
Prophecies about the Messiah include the opening of the eyes of the blind, which Jesus fulfills in this account.

Psalm 123:3
A plea for mercy, similar to the cry of the blind men, highlighting the theme of seeking God's compassion.

Sermons

Importunity Revealing Character	R. Tuck	Matthew 20:31
A Wise Use of the Means of Salvation	Clarkson.	Matthew 20:29-34
Community and Unity	J.A. Macdonald	Matthew 20:29-34
Hearing of Christ	John Trapp.	Matthew 20:29-34
Jesus of Nazareth Passing By	E. Griffin, D. D.	Matthew 20:29-34
Keep in the Way of Blessing	Erskine.	Matthew 20:29-34
Necessitous	J. Parker, D. D.	Matthew 20:29-34
Spiritual Blindness	A. Barnes, D. D.	Matthew 20:29-34
The Blind Men of Jericho	W.F. Adeney	Matthew 20:29-34
The Blind Taught to See		Matthew 20:29-34

People

David, Jesus, Zabdi, Zebedee

Places

Jericho, Jerusalem, Judea

Topics

Angrily, Charged, Cried, Crowd, Crying, David, Deal, Hold, Kindly, Louder, Mercy, Multitude, O, Orders, Peace, Pity, Quiet, Rebuked, Saying, Shouted, Silence, Silent, Sir, Sternly, Telling, Tried

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Matthew 20:31

2036 Christ, humility

Matthew 20:29-34

1416 miracles, nature of
5134 blindness, natural

Matthew 20:30-31

     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     5528   shouting
     8610   prayer, asking God

Matthew 20:30-34

6689 mercy, of Christ

Library

February 2. "And Whosoever Will be Great among You, Let Him be Your Minister. And Whosoever Will be Chief among You, Let Him be Your Servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27).
"And whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27). Slave is the literal meaning of the word, doulos. The first word used for service is diakanos, which means a minister to others in any usual way or work: but the word doulos means a bond slave, and the Lord here plainly teaches us that the highest service is that of a bond slave. He Himself made Himself the servant of all, and he who would come …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Nearest to Christ
'To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father.'--MATT. xx. 23. You will observe that an unusually long supplement is inserted by our translators in this verse. That supplement is quite unnecessary, and, as is sometimes the case, is even worse than unnecessary. It positively obscures the true meaning of the words before us. As they stand in our Bibles, the impression that they leave upon one's mind is that Christ in …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Servant-Lord and his Servants
'Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.'--MATT. xx. 28. It seems at first sight strangely unsympathetic and irrelevant that the ambitious request of James and John and their foolish mother, that they should sit at Christ's right hand and His left in His kingdom, should have been occasioned by, and have followed immediately upon, our Lord's solemn and pathetic announcement of His sufferings. But the connection is not difficult to trace. The disciples believed that, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What the Historic Christ Taught About his Death
'The Son of Man came... to give His life a ransom for many.'--Matt. xx. 28. We hear a great deal at present about going back to 'the Christ of the Gospels.' In so far as that phrase and the movement of thought which it describes are a protest against the substitution of doctrines for the Person whom the doctrines represent, I, for one, rejoice in it. But I believe that the antithesis suggested by the phrase, and by some of its advocates avowed, between the Christ of the Gospels and the Christ of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Blind Bartimeus
Mark 10:52 -- "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." When the apostle Peter was recommending Jesus of Nazareth, in one of his sermons to the Jews, he gave him a short, but withal a glorious and exalted character, "That we went about doing good." He went about, he sought occasions of doing good; it was his meat and drink to do the works of him that sent him, whilst the day of his public administration …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the Gospel, Matt. xx. 1, "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like unto a Man That
1. Ye have heard out of the Holy Gospel a parable well suited to the present season, concerning the labourers in the vineyard. For now is the time of the material [2841] vintage. Now there is also a spiritual vintage, wherein God rejoiceth in the fruit of His vineyard. For we cultivate God, and God cultivateth us. [2842] But we do not so cultivate God as to make Him any better thereby. For our cultivation is the labour of the heart, not of the hands. [2843] He cultivateth us as the husbandman doth …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men Sitting by the Way Side, and Crying Out, "Lord, have Mercy On
1. Ye know, Holy Brethren, full well as we do, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Physician of our eternal health; and that to this end He took the weakness of our nature, that our weakness might not last for ever. For He assumed a mortal body, wherein to kill death. And, "though He was crucified through weakness," as the Apostle saith, "yet He liveth by the power of God." [2870] They are the words too of the same Apostle; "He dieth no more, and death shall have no more dominion over Him." …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Divine Sovereignty
We must assume, before we commence our discourse, one thing certain, namely, that all blessings are gifts and that we have no claim to them by our own merit. This I think every considerate mind will grant. And this being admitted, we shall endeavour to show that he has a right, seeing they are his own to do what he wills with them--to withhold them wholly is he pleaseth--to distribute them all if he chooseth--to give to some and not to others--to give to none or to give to all, just as seemeth good …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus
"And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."--Matthew 20:17-19. YOU HAVE THIS SAME STORY in Matthew and Mark and Luke, a little differently told; as would naturally be the case …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Particular Redemption
I begin this morning with the doctrine of Redemption. "He gave his life a ransom for many." The doctrine of Redemption is one of the most important doctrines of the system of faith. A mistake on this point will inevitably lead to a mistake through the entire system of our belief. Now, you are aware that there are different theories of Redemption. All Christians hold that Christ died to redeem, but all Christians do not teach the same redemption. We differ as to the nature of atonement, and as to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
(From the Gospel for the day) In this Sermon following we are taught how we must perpetually press forward towards our highest good, without pause or rest; and how we must labour in the spiritual vineyard that it may bring forth good fruit. Matt. xx. 1.--"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard." THIS householder went out early at the first hour, and again at the third and at the sixth hours, and hired …
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind
I. Ye know, holy brethren, full well as we do, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the physician of our eternal health; and that to this end we task the weakness of our natures, that our weakness might not last forever. For He assumed a mortal body, wherein to kill death. And, "though He was crucified through weakness," as the apostle saith, yet He "liveth by the power of God." They are the words, too, of the same apostle: "He dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over Him." These things, …
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the Four Gospels and the Acts...
The historical books of the New Testament, meaning thereby the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, are quoted, or alluded to, by a series of Christian writers, beginning with those who were contemporary with the apostles, or who immediately followed them, and proceeding in close and regular succession from their time to the present. The medium of proof stated in this proposition is, of all others, the most unquestionable, the least liable to any practices of fraud, and is not diminished by …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another …
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cii. Bartimæus and his Companion Healed.
(at Jericho.) ^A Matt. XX. 29-34; ^B Mark X. 46-52; ^C Luke XVIII. 35-43. ^c 35 And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. [Jesus came from the Jordan, and was entering Jericho by its eastern gate. As the crowd following Jesus passed by, Bartimæus asked its meaning and learned of the presence of Jesus. Jesus on this …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome.
IT pleased God, to whom all his works are known from eternity, to prepare Gregory by a twofold process, for the great and difficult work of the guidance of the Western Church, then agitated by so many storms. Destined to be plunged into the midst of an immense multitude of avocations of the most varied character, he was trained to bear such a burden by administering, until his fortieth year, an important civil office. Then, yielding to a long-felt yearning of his heart, he retired into a monastery, …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Blessing of Being with Good People. How Certain Illusions were Removed.
1. I began gradually to like the good and holy conversation of this nun. How well she used to speak of God! for she was a person of great discretion and sanctity. I listened to her with delight. I think there never was a time when I was not glad to listen to her. She began by telling me how she came to be a nun through the mere reading of the words of the Gospel "Many are called, and few are chosen." [1] She would speak of the reward which our Lord gives to those who forsake all things for His …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Why Men do not Attain Quickly to the Perfect Love of God. Of Four Degrees of Prayer. Of the First Degree. The Doctrine Profitable for Beginners,
1. I speak now of those who begin to be the servants of love; that seems to me to be nothing else but to resolve to follow Him in the way of prayer, who has loved us so much. It is a dignity so great, that I have a strange joy in thinking of it; for servile fear vanishes at once, if we are, as we ought to be, in the first degree. O Lord of my soul, and my good, how is it that, when a soul is determined to love Thee--doing all it can, by forsaking all things, in order that it may the better occupy …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

The First Last, and the Last First
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."--Matthew 19:30. "So the last shall be first, and the first last."--Matthew 20:16. WE MUST BE SAVED if we would serve the Lord. We cannot serve God in an unsaved condition. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is vain for them to attempt service while they are still at enmity against God. The Lord wants not enemies to wait upon him, nor slaves to grace his throne. We must be saved first; and salvation is all of grace. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life
The idea that the grace of God should lead us to licentiousness is utterly loathsome to every Christian man. We cannot endure it. The notion that the doctrines of grace give license to sin, comes from the devil, and we scout it with a detestation more deep than words can express. "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" On our first entrance upon a Christian profession, we are met by the ordinance of baptism, which teaches the necessity of purification. Baptism is, in its very …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Compassion of Jesus
THIS is said of Christ Jesus several times in the New Testament. The original word is a very remarkable one. It is not found in classic Greek. It is not found in the Septuagint. The fact is, it was a word coined by the evangelists themselves. They did not find one in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose, and therefore they had to make one. It is expressive of the deepest emotion; a striving of the bowels--a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. As the dictionaries tell us-- Ex …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

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